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What does the national media think of Vanderbilt in 2015?
After falling back to just three wins in 2014, Vanderbit will be looking to take a step forward this season in its second year under coach Derek Mason. Whether the Commodores will actually do so, though, is another matter, as can be surmised from the assessments provided in various season previews.
One thing that's certain is that Vanderbilt will need improved play from the quarterback position. "Last year Johnny McCrary, Wade Freebeck, Patton Robinette and Stephen Rivers threw 19 picks and just 13 TDs. If that turnstile at QB continues, so will the Commodores' struggles," according to ESPN.
The consensus is that the door is open for the sophomore McCrary to take the starting job, as he did show signs of improvement last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Lindy's Sports pointed out that the Commodores struggled to generate a pass rush and create turnovers in 2014, which didn't help their struggling offense. But both of those areas showed improvement with Mason's move to defensive coordinator in the spring game, and the hope is that improvement will carry over into the season and SEC play, in particular.
And from a big-picture standpoint, in order for Mason to avoid generating questions about his job, he likely will need to have a winning record in nonconference play, and win "at least one or two" SEC games, according to The Sporting News.
Will those things come to fruition? Only time will tell, but they'll need to if Vandy is to close the gap between itself and most of the rest of the loaded SEC.
Keep in mind that Mason made guarantees after his hiring that the program would be competing for SEC titles in the near future, so now would be a good time for the Commodores to show some progress in that direction.
(h/t Saturday Down South)
Image Credit: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press
